The coalition for the abolition of spring hunting said today that it welcomed statements issued by the government and the opposition yesterday after the Constitutional Court gave the go-ahead for the referendum.

The government yesterday said the referendum would be held on the same date as the local council elections.

Romina Tolu, Campaign Coordinator said statements made by the Prime Minister and the Justice Minister seemed to demonstrate a real commitment to respecting the referendum and to facilitate the process so that the people of Malta could now make a decision on spring hunting. 

The first test of this commitment would be the decision on the date for the referendum. Noting that the date can be any time between April 9 and July 9, the coalition said the date chosen should be such as to give enough time for constructive debate and discussion so that voters could make an informed decision and that the outcome would be decisive for Malta.

The coalition said it hoped the main political parties would allow space for the main protagonists on this issue to put their case to the people both for and against abolition of spring hunting. 

"We are looking forward to a constructive and rational debate from both sides.”